Don't let electric plants overpower Hayward

Hayward may soon be the not-so-lucky recipient of two new natural-gas power plants.

The Calpine (or Russell City) Energy Center, would be built immediately west of the Hayward sewage plant off Enterprise Avenue in west Hayward. It would be within 100 yards of the East Bay Regional Park District's preserve for the endangered salt-marsh harvest mouse. The twin columns, 145 feet high, would tower above our shoreline and would emit plumes of particulates into the air 24 hours a day.

The Eastshore or Tierra Energy Center may be located at the corner of Clawiter and Depot Roads, about 1/2 mile west of Chabot Community College. It is supposed to be a "peaker" plant, operating only 45% of the time, at times of peak energy usage. This does not mean 45% of each day; the plant may operate full-time, for example, during the hottest, smoggiest parts of the summer, when energy demand is highest - and air quality worst. With 14 smokestacks it might be an even bigger eyesore than Calpine.

The emissions from both plants would also include a laundry list of toxic substances, including carcinogens and fine particulates, at levels exceeding the standards set by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District under the federal Clean Air Act. How can this be permitted? Calpine and possibly also Tierra will be purchasing air-quality credits. In return for paying for emission reductions elsewhere, they will get the right to exceed the limits in Hayward. Other parts of the Bay Area will be getting cleaner air - while Hayward breathes the exhausts of not just one - but two - new plants.

The staff of the California Energy Commission issued reports recommending against approval of either plant, but last December the commission itself voted to approve Calpine, largely because back in 2001 the Hayward City Council had voted for approval. In the interim Calpine went through bankruptcy, and so the project was put on hold. Calpine was cleared financially by a court in New York state as of Feb. 1.

Citizens Against Pollution was formed last fall to lead the efforts to stop these power plants. CAP, along with Alameda County and Chabot-Las Positas Community College, argued against the Calpine facility before the Energy Commission, and appealed its decision to the California Supreme Court, but the court declined to hear their arguments. The Sierra Club's Southern Alameda County Group has been working with CAP, and has contributed $350 towards its legal expenses.

In January, Tierra's proposal went to the Energy Commission. The city of Hayward hired attorneys to oppose the proposal. The commission has not yet voted, but it has verbally indicated that it will approve the plant. The meeting for this will be held in Hayward, probably in June.

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) has introduced AB 1909 to forbid more than one power plant in any one community without local jurisdiction approval. The Sierra Club is supporting this bill.

WhatYouCanDo

Contact the Hayward mayor and City Council at:

City Hall
777 B St.
Hayward, CA 94541-5007
Email: list-mayor-council -at- hayward-ca.gov

Urge them to keep new power plants out of Hayward.

Write to Assemblymember Lloyd Levine, chair of the Assembly Utility and Commerce Committee, at:

State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0040
Email: assemblymember.levine -at- assembly.ca.gov

Urge him to support and advance AB 1909.

To join in the Sierra Club's efforts to stop these power plants, contact Chapter legislative coordinator or call (510) 848-0800, ext. 316

Audrey LePell, president, Citizens Against Pollution